The training, previously done over four hours, has been extended to a full day, which must be repeated every four years.

Workers learn how to get out of a helicopter in the event that it ditches or makes a controlled landing in the sea, as well as rig abandonment and sea survival skills.

"To date, survival training in the Gulf of Mexico has been sporadic with no common standard and no common quality control," Opito vice president (Gulf of Mexico) Albert Skiba, said.

"The new THUET standard goes well beyond what is outlined by the Bureau of Safety Environment and Enforcement by the US government and is designed to give offshore workers the knowledge, competence and confidence they need to remain safe and in the event of an incident while travelling to work.

"The initial feedback has been positive with trainees saying they felt more engaged in the training and would be able to apply what they learned in an emergency situation."

The common training standard was developed in partnership with industry - and training centres in the region are currently seeking accreditation to run the courses.

Development of the standard has been funded by industry for industry, with Opito hopeful that its broader tropical basic offshore safety induction emergency training standard will be adopted as a mandatory three-day course in the Gulf.